NetworkASA 2013: One industry, one voice, one future

ASA has developed a first-class annual gathering.

Dear Industry Colleagues,

As we quickly approach the summer months, NetworkASA 2013 is right around the corner.

This year’s theme for ASA’s annual convention is One Industry, One Voice, One Future. The event will be held in the heart of our nation’s capital in Washington Oct. 2-4 at the Renaissance Hotel. The theme signifies a unified front as we take our next steps as an industry into an uncertain future. We have certainly set the bar high over the past several years with NetworkASA. Our industry association has developed a first-class gathering that incorporates a hard-hitting and concise agenda, while at the same time minimizing attendees’ valuable time away from their businesses.

Once again, the event will provide a variety of educational opportunities, brought to us by the ASA Education Foundation, with topics ranging from hiring and strategic planning to sales and marketing optimization. As we are in the nation’s capital, new on the agenda this year are an issues briefing and Capitol Hill legislative appointments. These appointments, to be scheduled ahead of time, will allow attendees the opportunity to speak firsthand with their representatives about issues impacting their ability to run profitable businesses and hire competent workers.

Kicking off the event is the always popular Bradford White & ASA Opening Reception on Wednesday evening.

Continuing on the ASA’s momentum from last year, ITR Economics’ Alan Beaulieu will discuss the 2014 Industry Forecast, brought to you by Rheem and Ruud. At NetworkASA 2012, Beaulieu kicked off the association’s comprehensive new forecasting program with the 2013 Industry Forecast. Following the forecast session is the ASA Annual Meeting & Member Lunch, brought to you by InSinkErator. Also in the interest of continuing momentum, we’ll again be offering the popular wholesaler and vendor conference appointment one-on-one sessions.

ASA’s Industrial Piping and Plumbing divisions will once again hold open house receptions. This year those receptions will be held in different time slots; before and after dinner on Thursday. Attendees will have the opportunity to kick off and end their evening with these two popular events.

While Thursday’s Weldbend IPD Breakfast speaker has yet to be determined, history leads us to believe it will be someone special. Friday’s Plumbing Industry Educational Forum & Breakfast, brought to you by Kohler, will feature renowned journalist and author Bob Woodward, of the Washington Post’s “Woodward and Bernstein” from the Watergate years. Last, but certainly not least, America’s best-loved political couple, James Carville and Mary Matalin, will both enlighten and entertain attendees while presenting their views from both sides of the political aisle during the A.O. Smith Future Trends Luncheon.

If you have not already done so, make your plans now to attend NetworkASA 2013. Please visit www.asa.net for more registration details or contact an ASA staff member at 630/467-0000 for more information. This definitely is the industry’s “can’t miss event.”

See you in Washington in October, if not sooner!

HELPFUL LINKS: